Trace Elements

Only if you let them dip below "acceptable" levels for long periods of time. If your calcium goes down, it is because something in your system is using it up so you have to add supplements to keep it at a somewhat steady level. If your magnesium is up to par, your alk should not go up or down regardless of what your calcium is doing and vice versa. The key to keeping water parameters stable is to monitor them regularly to get a feel for what your system uses. If water changes aren't enough to keep your calcium/alk/magnesium up to where they should be, you will need to add additional supplements.

 

I want to thanks everyone for there input on this question, all I want is to create an enironment that will keep my inhabitants happy, healthy and growing. So getting an understanding of what is need and how to maintain it,..to me,...is very important. thanks again. If anyone else has other helpful hint or suggestions please add to this thread, thanks Amcarrig for your thoughts.

 

i dose with liquid seachem reef ( complete, trace, plus, dKH ) along with a Ca reactor and CaOH2 reactor. and cant remember the last time i did a water change. my tank has a high Ca and dKH need, so you may be able get away with a different combination than what i have, just dont over exceed the recommended dosage.